St. Patrick’s Day is coming up, and that means an excuse to wear one of our favorite colors: green! Are you curious about the origins of some of these famous St. Patrick’s Day trends? Read on to learn more.
Why we wear green on St. Patrick’s Day
Legend has it that St. Patrick used a green three-leafed shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to his pagan friends. While this story has never been fully confirmed, another tale in Irish mythology confirms the relationship of green to Ireland’s history.
In this story, Goidel Glas, creator of the Gaelic languages, is bitten by a snake and saved by Moses placing his staff on the snakebite. A green mark remained on him, helping him to lead his people to a land free of snakes (and, they thought, danger). In fact, the anglicized word “Gaelic” is actually the Irish word for green.
From then on, green ribbons and shamrocks were worn on St. Patrick’s Day, dating back to at least the 1680s.
The history of the Claddagh
Another commonly seen Irish tradition is the popular Claddagh ring. This piece of jewelry contains a heart with a crown being held by two hands, with each of these symbols representing something different. The hands represent friendship, with the heart signifying love and the crown being associated with loyalty.
This unique ring is thought to have originated in the small fishing village of Claddagh in Galway, Ireland. Legend says that Richard Joyce, a silversmith, was captured and enslaved while on a passage to the West Indies and sold to a goldsmith, where he then learned the art. When he was finally released and returned, he brought with him a ring he had fashioned while enslaved and gave it to his sweetheart. In fact, his initials are carved into one of the earliest known Claddagh rings.
Jewelry for St. Patrick’s Day
Check out some of our favorite green styles for unique pieces to celebrate your Irish heritage — on St. Patrick’s Day and beyond!
These Cushion Cut Chrome Diopside Earrings are perfect for everyday wear or to add a hint of green sparkle to your wardrobe. Crafted with our high-quality sterling silver, two bright cushion cut chrome diopside gemstones collide with a touch of milgrain detailing for a simple, vintage-inspired look.
This show-stopping Green Sapphire and Diamond Pendant will take any outfit to the next level. With one shimmering pear-shaped green sapphire highlighted by a halo of 25 round diamonds, this gorgeous pendant is secured with a lobster clasp on an adjustable 22-inch Singapore chain for easy wear.
Bring in some spring vibes for St. Patrick’s Day with this Green Quartz, Peridot and Diamond Ring. With two different shades of green gemstones meeting perfectly with 17 brilliant round diamonds, this colorful ring is the perfect accent piece.
Add some sparkle with these Chrome Diopside and White Sapphire Dangle Earrings. These dazzling dangle earrings display two cushion cut chrome diopside gemstones hand-matched with 24 round white sapphires.
Celebrate your faith with this Round Green Sapphire Cross Pendant. Made from quality sterling silver, this gorgeous cross pendant is highlighted by one round green sapphire and hangs from a matching 18-inch box chain with a 2-inch adjustable chain extender.
Add to your stack with this Round Green Sapphire and Round Diamond Stackable Ring. This affordable sterling silver style shows off one round green sapphire highlighted by four round diamonds — perfect to wear solo or mix and match with other rings!
Shop all green jewelry on ShaneCo.com in celebration of this joyful holiday.
